Prince Albert II of Monaco received a warm welcome aboard the French Navy’s La Loire during the maritime support vessel’s scheduled stopover in the Principality earlier this week.

During a three-day stop in Monaco at the end of March, the crew onboard La Loire, a BSAM (Bâtiment de Soutien et d’Assistance Métropolitain) naval support vessel, welcomed Prince Albert for a detailed tour and presentation of the ship’s missions and operational capabilities. The Prince was joined by France’s Ambassador to Monaco, Jean d’Haussonville, and the Principality’s Acting Minister of State, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï.

Measuring an impressive 70 metres in length and weighing over 3,000 tonnes, La Loire spends up to 200 days at sea each year. To sustain this demanding schedule, two crews alternate every four months, ensuring continuous and efficient maritime operations. The French Navy currently operates four ships of this type, strategically positioned across two primary bases: two vessels in Brest and two in Toulon.

La Loire is currently taking part in SAMAR MED, an aircraft search and rescue exercise in the Mediterranean. Its duties typically involve supporting naval forces, safeguarding people and property, providing maritime assistance, and participating in maritime police missions.

To see more photographs, click on the images below:

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Photos source: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department / Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco